Bill could save counties from adding over a dozen new ballot boxes

New rules requiring over a dozen new election ballot boxes in Grays Harbor could be overturned if a bill by Representative Jim Walsh is approved.

House Bill 2359 could save both Grays Harbor and Pacific County money by not forcing “ a minimum of one ballot drop box per fifteen thousand registered voters in the county and a minimum of one ballot drop box in each city, town, and census designated place in the county with a post office.”

In Grays Harbor, ballot boxes are permanently placed in Montesano, Hoquiam, and Elma. Under the rules adopted in 2017, an additional 15-20 boxes would need to be purchased and installed within the county.

Secretary of State Kim Wyman told KXRO prior to the General Election that this is a large change locally.

Under the prefiled bill from Representative Walsh, the new requirements would only apply to counties in the state with “ a population over two hundred sixty thousand”. This would only include counties such as King, Pierce, Snohomish, Spokane, and Clark.

Grays Harbor has a population around 70,000, while Pacific County has approximately 20,000 residents.

The bill is scheduled to be seen in the 60 day legislative session starting January 8.